For the first time Ukrainian equities have been included in a London-listed fund, which aims to channel investment into the nation’s eventual post-war reconstruction and current economic resilience.
Greek-owned cafés like To Meli in Brussels' EU quarter have grown rapidly since the 2010s debt crisis, offering freddo espresso as a social alternative to Italian coffee culture, attracting Eurocrats and diaspora Greeks with revenues up nearly 300% since 2013.
Venezuela's acting President Delcy Rodríguez stated the country retains sovereignty over its oil resources despite a new agreement granting the US control of 65 billion barrels of reserves, with potential investment exceeding $100 billion and state tax revenue over $209 billion.
Zurich and Geneva are the most expensive European cities for buying apartments in city centres, with prices of €22,910 and €19,439 per square metre respectively, according to Deutsche Bank's 'Mapping the World’s Prices 2026' report. London ranks third at €17,241 per square metre, 35% more expensive than Paris at €12,771. The report covers 69 cities globally, with Hong Kong the most expensive worldwide at €23,790 per square metre and Cairo the cheapest at €784.
The United States and Venezuela have agreed on terms for a major oil deal that could grant Washington control over more than 65 billion barrels of Venezuelan oil reserves, with potential investment exceeding $100 billion and tax revenues surpassing $209 billion, according to statements from US President Donald Trump and Venezuelan acting president Delcy Rodríguez.
Since July 1, the EU has applied a flat €3 customs duty per product category on parcels worth €150 or less, primarily targeting low-value goods from Chinese e-commerce platforms like Shein, Temu, and AliExpress. French customs data shows a 30-40% drop in such parcels, with Temu and AliExpress sales falling 50% and 37% respectively. The EU cites unfair competition for European retailers and safety concerns, as over 60% of inspected low-value items failed to meet EU standards. The measure is temporary, designed to support a broader customs reform by 2028, with possible additional fees in November. Shein’s smaller decline (-15%) is attributed to its planned Poland warehouse opening in late 2025, which may allow it to bypass border duties.
Fitch will announce its verdict on France's sovereign rating this Friday, one month before the 2027 budget is submitted to the National Assembly. The agency currently assigns France an A+ rating with a stable outlook, following a downgrade from double A in September 2025 due to political instability. Economists at Natixis CIB expect the status quo to be the most likely outcome, though a negative outlook cannot be ruled out, citing deteriorating macroeconomic conditions, flat Q2 GDP, worsening agricultural output, rising public debt, and limited fiscal space amid a challenging budget cycle and looming presidential election.
